Job 34
1 And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:
Then Elihu continued,
2 Hear ye, wise men, my words, and ye learned, hearken to me:
“Listen to my words, you men who say you are wise; pay attention to what I'm saying you who think you know.
3 For the ear trieth words, and the mouth discerneth meats by the taste.
The ear distinguishes words just as the palate distinguishes foods.
4 Let us choose to us judgment, and let us see among ourselves what is the best.
Let us discern for ourselves what is right: let us decide among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job hath said: I am just, and God hath overthrown my judgment.
Job said, ‘I am innocent, and God has denied me justice.
6 For in judging me there is a lie: my arrow is violent without any sin.
Even though I'm right, I'm treated like a liar; I am dying from my wounds, even though I've done nothing wrong.’
7 What man is there like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
Has there ever been a man like Job with such a thirst for ridiculing others?
8 Who goeth in company with them that work iniquity, and walketh with wicked men?
He keeps company with wicked people; he associates with those who do evil.
9 For he hath said: Man shall not please God, although he run with him.
He's even said, ‘What benefit is there in being God's friend?’
10 Therefore, ye men of understanding, hear me: far from god be wickedness, and iniquity from the Almighty.
So listen to me, you men of understanding! It's impossible for God to do evil and the Almighty to do wrong.
11 For he will render to a man his work, and according to the ways of every one he will reward them.
He pays people back for what they've done, and treats them as they deserve.
12 For in very deed God will not condemn without cause, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
It's absolutely sure that God doesn't act wickedly; the Almighty would never pervert justice.
13 What other hath he appointed over the earth? or whom hath he set over the world which he made?
Who put him in charge of the earth? Who gave him the responsibility for all the world?
14 If he turn his heart to him, he shall draw his spirit and breath unto himself.
If he were to withdraw his spirit, if he were to take back his breath,
15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall return into ashes.
all living things would immediately die and human beings would return to dust.
16 If then thou hast understanding, hear what is said, and hearken to the voice of my words.
If you have understanding then hear this; pay attention to what I'm saying.
17 Can he be healed that loveth not judgment? and how dost thou so far condemn him that is just?
Do you really think someone who hated justice could govern? Are you going to condemn Almighty God who always does what is right?
18 Who saith to the king: Thou art an apostate: who calleth rulers ungodly?
He's the one who tells kings, ‘You're useless!’ or says to nobles, ‘You're wicked!’
19 Who accepteth not the persons of princes: nor hath regarded the tyrant, when he contended against the poor man: for all are the work of his hands.
He doesn't think more of the rich than the poor, for they are all people he himself made.
20 They shall suddenly die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and they shall pass, and take away the violent without hand.
They die in a moment; at midnight they shudder and pass away; the mighty are gone without effort.
21 For his eyes are upon the ways of men, and he considereth all their steps.
For he watches what they're doing and sees everywhere they go.
22 There is no darkness, and there is no shadow of death, where they may be hid who work iniquity.
There is no darkness so deep where people who do evil can hide themselves from him.
23 For it is no longer in the power of man to enter into judgment with God.
God doesn't need to examine anyone in any greater detail that they should come before him for judgment.
24 He shall break in pieces many and innumerable, and shall make others to stand in their stead.
He brings down the mighty without needing an investigation; he sets up others in their place.
25 For he knoweth their works: and therefore he shall bring night on them, and they shall be destroyed.
Knowing what they've done he overthrows them in a night and destroys them.
26 He hath struck them, as being wicked, in open sight.
He strikes them down for their wickedness in public where they can be seen
27 Who as it were on purpose have revolted from him, and would not understand all his ways:
because they turned away from following him, disregarding all his ways.
28 So that they caused the cry of the needy to come to him, and he heard the voice of the poor.
They made the poor call out to him, and he heard the cries of the oppressed.
29 For when he granteth peace, who is there that can condemn? When he hideth his countenance, who is there that can behold him, whether it regard nations, or all men?
Yet if God wants to remain silent, who can condemn him? If he chooses to hide his face, who can see him? Whether it concerns a nation or an individual,
30 Who maketh a man that is a hypocrite to reign for the sins of the people?
a person who rejects God should not rule so they don't mislead people.
31 Seeing then I have spoken of God, I will not hinder thee in thy turn.
If you were to say to God, ‘I have sinned, but I won't do bad things any more.
32 If I have erred, teach thou me: if I have spoken iniquity, I will add no more.
Show me what I cannot see. If I have done wrong, I won't do it again,’
33 Doth God require it of thee, because it hath displeased thee? for thou begannest to speak, and not I: but if thou know any thing better, speak.
then should God reward you for following your own opinions since you have rejected his? You're the one who has to choose, not me! Tell us what you think.
34 Let men of understanding speak to me, and let a wise man hearken to me.
For people who understand—those who are wise who have heard what I said—will tell me,
35 But Job hath spoken foolishly, and his words sound not discipline.
‘Job doesn't know what he's talking about. What he says doesn't make any sense.’
36 My father, let Job be tried even to the end: cease not from the man of iniquity.
If only Job were thoroughly condemned because he speaks like evil people do.
37 Because he addeth blasphemy upon his sins, let him be tied fast in the mean time amongst us: and then let him provoke God to judgment with his speeches.
Now he has added rebellion to his sins; he claps his hands at us, making long speeches full of accusations against God.”
